Happy Valentine’s Day: UW TRiO Students Serve Elderly Residents

February 13, 2012 — Some of Laramie's senior citizens are enjoying
custom-made Valentines made by local students.

University of Wyoming Upward Bound and Math/Science
Initiative Project "TRiO" program students, in partnership with the Wyoming
Geriatric Education Center, recently made 152 Valentine's Day cards for Meals
on Wheels recipients and assisted-living residents.

Cards include "Heart Healthy" suggestions and messages
from the American Heart Association and local doctors. Students will hand-deliver
many of the cards on Valentine's Day to Laramie's Spring Wind Assisted Living
residents.

"The program promotes community service activities among
Upward Bound students and increases intergenerational awareness and
interaction," says Upward Bound Program Director Jessica Rasmussen. "This
health-themed Valentine's Day service project celebrates American Heart Month
and National TRiO Day, which highlights the college-access services the TRiO
programs provide to low-income students and families."

Wyoming TRiO and Gear
Up (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) students
will commemorate TRiO day in Cheyenne Tuesday, Feb. 21, by speaking with
legislators, sitting in on House and Senate activities, meeting Gov. Matt Mead
and attending a legislative workshop.

TRiO program services include assistance in choosing a
college, academic tutoring, financial literacy programs, career counseling,
assistance applying to college, workplace and college visits, assistance
applying for financial aid; and targeted instruction in reading, writing,
mathematics, and study skills.

Photo:Laramie Junior High School ninth-grade student Carolina Chong
creates a Valentine to give to Laramie senior citizens. She is among students served
by University of Wyoming TRiO programs. (Upward Bound)